Armogan loses hope that Corentyne fisherfolk will benefit from Suriname’s licences
Georgetown is on the cusp of a transformation that will turn it into a world-class, family and pedestrian friendly city that will help Guyana to attract millions of visitors every year. These were the words of President Dr Irfaan Ali, speaking during Saturday’s commissioning of the 138 room, over US$20 million Aiden Hotel by Best Western.
The hotel, which is located at the corners of Oronoque and Robb Streets, Bourda, is nestled in the very heart of the city. It is therefore fitting that President Ali used the occasion to unveil more details on the Government’s planned collaboration with the United Kingdom (UK) based King’s Foundation to develop and transform Georgetown.
“We’re working on building a city that will be connected on a number of pillars. One, culture and heritage. So, we want, when visitors come, they must walk from Kingston all the way around the city and be able to enjoy the culture and heritage of the city. That means we have to rebuild all our heritage facilities,” President Ali said.
“We have to clean up the city. Do back all the drainage. Make the drainage economically viable, by putting in modern drainage facilities in which you can have parking over the drainage. In which you can have cycle lanes over the drainage. In which you can create greenery along the drainage. And peaceful, tranquil, safe walking circuits throughout the city.”
He also revealed that the capital city would be segmented into four sections, in line with international standards for capital cities. One section would be dedicated to culture, one will be green walkway and one will be city parks
“That is the vision we’re working on, with the King’s Foundation. The city would be segmented into different sectors. One sector will be culture and heritage, one sector would be the green walk way, one sector would be city parks connectivity. How smoothly you can move from park to park, including the work that we’ll do on creating a modern facility at the Botanical Garden and the zoo.”
“Connecting that with the National Park and the boardwalk. The fourth section, industry and commerce. Because that is also an integral part in the city itself. The
other sector is waterfront and markets,” President Ali said, acknowledging the efforts of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to come up with a plan to modernise the markets.
Modernise, safer
The Head of State noted that markets must be modernised, made safer and more customer friendly. Additionally, he highlighted the potential for the waterfront from Kingston in Region Four to the waterfront at Vreed-en-Hoop in Region Three, to attract even
rooted into people, environment, culture, arts, wellness and quality of life. That is the city rejuvenation plan we’re working on.”
“And if you look at the investments the Government is making in the city itself, you would see how those investments are changing the face of the city. I mean the Mayor is here. He would have to do serious damage to his conscience, if he doesn’t admit that investment in this city by the Government is transforming the outlook of the city,” President Ali further said.
more tourists once fully developed. Another important crux in this plan is to reduce the number of vehicles in the city every day, which contribute to massive traffic congestion.
“All of these segments, that we see the city evolving with, will support a city that is people centric, moving more towards a walking city, a riding city, with less vehicle traffic coming into the city. Encouraging greater wellness and family orientation. Family using the city, walking together. The city will be
Path to completion
The Aiden by Best Western Hotel, spans nine floors of a 74,000-square-foot modern building. The hotel is the 10th Aiden Hotel worldwide and the first for the Caribbean and South America.
During her address, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, lauded the Arimu Investments Incorporated behind the construction of the hotel for taking this bold step. As a mat-
ter of fact, it was pointed out that Arimu’s completion of the hotel, marks the first such hotel to be completed since the Government issued its challenge for more hotels to be built.
She also slammed the naysayers for their criticism of the Government’s policy of soliciting hotels during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that today the demand for hotel rooms has skyrocketed. This therefore corroborates the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s vision.
According to Director of Arimu Investments Inc., Lorenzo Alphonso, the hotel’s completion came after fighting several battles.
“I stand proud tonight to say that we have already attained the franchise of another global hotel brand. This particular project is presently in its conceptualisation phase,” Alphonso explained to the gathering, adding that they are also working on a business diversification plan. It was explained that all the suites have been named after the rivers in Guyana, with the largest suite named after the Essequibo River. Mention was also made of the Horizon lounge. According to Alphonso, 72 locals and a few expatriates, with experience working on top brand hotels such as the Hyatt, are employed in the hotel. It was further revealed that local resources were used throughout the development of the hotel. Additionally, 56 private trucks provided services to the company. According to him, persons should never doubt the Guyanese skill set, as “the proof is in the pudding”. (G3)
After the post-independence PNC destroyed our economy with their socialist experiments, their successors have been attempting to shift to a market economy, which needs to be appreciated by our citizens and politicians. The following was offered by The Federal Reserve Bank in St Louis. “A market economy is an economic system in which individuals own most of the resources - land, labour and capital - and control their use through voluntary decisions made in the marketplace. It is a system in which the government plays a small role. In this type of economy, two forces -- self-interest and competition -- play a very important role.
Why do you go to work? Why do you go to school? There may be many reasons, but, at their core, you probably go to work and school because you are selfinterested. To be self-interested simply means that you seek your own personal gain. You go to work because you want to get paid, so you can buy the things you want. You go to school so you can get a better job someday, and earn more money to buy the things you want. In fact, most of the economic activity we see around us is the result of self-interested behaviour.
Why does the baker choose to bake? The answer is self-interest. The baker wants to earn enough money to feed his family and buy the things he wants, and the most effective way he has found to do that is to bake bread for you. In fact, his bread has to be good enough and the service friendly enough that you are willing to give up your money freely in exchange for his bread. The baker, while serving his self-interest, has produced a good that is very valuable to you. The miracle of a market system is that self-interest produces behaviour that benefits others.
Is being self-interested greedy? Is it immoral? While the term self-interest has negative connotations, it does not necessarily imply greedy or immoral behaviour. Selfinterest just means that you seek your goals. In fact, your self-interest might lead you to study hard for your math test, give money to your favourite charity, or volunteer at a local school.
Doesn't self-interest lead to price gouging, corruption and cheating? Sometimes it does, but, most often, it is held in check by competition. Because other self-interested people are competing in the marketplace, my self-interest is held in check. For example, if I were a baker, the only way I would be able to earn your dollars is to produce bread that is better, cheaper, or more convenient than the bread produced by the other bakers in town. If I were to increase my price too much, you would likely buy bread from my competitors. Thus, competition is the regulator, a check on self-interest, because it restrains my ability to take advantage of my customers.
Adam Smith described the opposing but complementary forces of self-interest and competition as the “invisible hand”. While producers and consumers are not acting with the intent of serving the needs of others or society, they do. When you work, your goal is to earn money, but in the process, you provide a valuable good or service that benefits others and society. The amazing part of this process is that there is very little government control. The bread you buy at the store arrived as the result of hundreds of self-interested people cooperating without a government bread agency managing production at each step along the way. In the words of Adam Smith, it's as if they were being guided by an invisible hand that guided resources to their most valued use.
The discussion of self-interest and competition usually results in a discussion of the proper role of government regulation. Some see a market economy as largely selfregulating, assuming there are enough firms competing in the market to be a check on self-interest. Others point to examples of fraud, where competition has failed to be an adequate check on self-interest; they argue that government must take a more active role in regulating economic activities.
4 'C' highlighted career opportunities in law enforcement with the aim of inspiring future leaders and fostering strong community relations (GPF photos)
We had no oil to subsist on, so how could we build a country?
Dear Editor, “We had no oil to subsist on, so we could not build this country." This is the tune that is being sung by the PNC and their acolytes as they try to play down the PPP/C Administration’s trailblazing works in this country.
They keep harping at that tune of having nothing to go on as the "honest reason" for them having a dismal record in the management of this country. At a cursory glance, that statement seems believable; however, a careful examination of the record left by the PNC would tell a different story.
For starters, this country always had a rich and helpful past. Its resources, natural and man-made, worked towards the fulfillment of a rich economy. It started with The Jagan Days, when rice, bauxite, gold and sugar were our
mainstay.
Cheddi marshalled those resources in the most skillful of ways to build this country. His training, knowledge and experience demonstrated a remarkable level of proficiency and finesse when it came to the running of a country, and his management skills were simply superb.
During his premiership, Caribbean nationals flocked to this country. Names such as Mahdia and Christianburg were born out of Caribbean Immigration to our shores. The "Palawalas" and other Islanders found refuge here.
Burnham came soon after with his own form of nationalism, when the main income earning resources of bauxite and sugar were nationalized, owned and controlled by a local directorate. We received free education from nursery to university from the pro-
ceeds of bauxite and sugar, the latter becoming the catalyst of our export economy. Sugar was taxed, and the proceeds were used as the survival mechanism for the entire country.
Fast forward to the triumphalism of The PNC in 2015, when we found oil as an addition to the foreign exchange income chain. Now, follow the discussion carefully, and you will see what transpired then. There was a lopsided deal negotiated by Nigel Hughes and Trotman, and we were snugly in the deep recesses of a corrupt beast called The PNC right from the very start. We are viewing the corrupt dealings of a finance minister who spirited out of this country our first oil money of US$18M, the ExxonMobil signing bonus.
Even more distressing is the fact that presidential hopeful Nigel Hughes re-
mains tenaciously at the helm of ExxonMobil as its legal representative, his allegiance is to his pocket, and not to the people of this country. Therefore, if he thinks that the Guyanese people are so daft as to allow him to run any government in Guyana, then he needs to think again. This malignant statement comes up again as the PPP/C Administration continues its nation-building programme in its recent announcement of a US$500 cash grant to every adult citizen of this country. This recent disbursement is just the beginning of a series of handouts that would continue to flow to our nation's peoples. Cash grants come as a blessing to the people, but stand as a clear indictment on the part of the PNC.
Respectfully, Neil Adams
One Communications is one-way communication
Dear Editor, It seems as though the One Communications company is a ‘one-way’ communication company.
On the afternoon of Friday October 18, 2024, I called the company to report a DSL Internet problem. The young lady who answered my call was doing well, then, all of a sudden, she asked me if I’m authorized on the account, or something of the sort.
Now, the account is in my
wife’s name, so I repeated my wife’s name and my name, telling her we obviously live in the same house. I gave her my wife’s phone number, and told her I reported this problem a week ago.
Her response was, “It’s company policy”, so she could not, or apparently was unable to, take the complaint.
At this point I got really upset, and the call seemingly went dead.
So, am I to understand
that I can’t report a fault to the service my wife and I receive because of some “company policy” about authorization? Our Internet has been crappy for the past week, and I can’t get help because of some authorization?
The service is constantly -- and I repeat: constantly -- ‘in and out’ or ‘off and on’ during the day, but then settles down at night. And you’re telling me I can’t report this because of some stupid poli-
cy?
This is like me calling 911 in an emergency and the responder telling me I can’t call on the injured person’s behalf because I am not related to them; or the house that is burning down is not mine, so I can’t call. Come on, One Communications!
Sincerely, Seth Sampson Customer
Ranks of the Guyana Police Force engaged students and visitors at the Hope Secondary School's Career Fair last week. The booth staffed by officers from Regional Division
Company building GtE among firms in running for 2nd power plant
…American, German companies also bid for contract
CH4- the company that, in partnership with Lindsayca is currently building the first 300-MegaWatt (MW) power plant under the Gas-toEnergy (GtE) Project, is among the firms in the running to build the second power plant.
Back in September 2024, the Government through the Office of the Prime Minister had invited companies to respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP) to “design, finance, and operate” Phase II of the GtE Project based on a 20-to25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Phase Two of the GtE Project is expected to see a second power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility being built at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD). And last week, the bids for this second plant were revealed by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).
In addition to Puerto Rican based company CH4, German company Siemens Energy has also thrown its hat into the ring. Most notably, Siemens is responsible for the gas turbines being used in the combined cycle power plant for the GtE Project. Lastly, United States (US) based company Ethos Energy was the third company to bid for the project.
CH4 had joined forces with US-based company Lindsayca to form Lindsayca CH4 Guyana Inc. (LNDCH4), which was awarded a US$759 million contract in November 2022 to build the power plant and NGL facility for the GtE Project.
Now however, the consortium is engaged in a disagreement with the
Government over the timelines of the project and associated costs. The consortium made financial claims to the tune of US$50 million over delays from other components of the project which were overseen by Exxon, saying that the late handover would affect its delivery according to contractual timelines.
In light of the delays, the Government has extended the deadline, but the contractor was not satisfied, and wanted more time. Moreover, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has rejected the claim.
This has resulted in the contractor moving to a
dispute resolution mechanism that would see a three-member board set up to mediate between the two parties. Government has previously said that this dispute is not affecting construction works, which continues uninterrupted.
Second phase
The second phase of this transformative project includes the design, construction, and operation of a 250 MW combined-cycle power plant, to deliver 2,100 Gigawatt/hours (GWh) of electricity per annum, and sold to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc.
The project also caters for the design, construction and operation of another
NGL facility to produce at approximately 6,000 barrels per day of NGL products such as propane, butane, and C5+gasolene.
Additionally, Phase II also includes the transfer, at no cost, of excess “lean gas” estimated at 30 Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMSCFD), for utilisation in downstream industries, e.g. fertiliser production, to be located at Wales.
Based on the RPF document, the Phase II projects will be located on no more than 100 acres of land, immediately adjacent to the existing 300 MW Integrated facility at Wales and will be 100 per cent owned and financed by the private sector – similar to or exceeding the project finance structure of Phase I of the GtE Project.
It was noted that only firms (consortia) adjudged to be experienced in Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) and Financing of compara-
ble facilities, will be evaluated. The Government also said it intends to appoint an independent supervision firm to ensure the project is built per approved contract quality and specifications.
This move to establish a second power plant at Wales is part of the PPP/C Government’s efforts to transition to clean energy, slash the costs of electricity and provide reliable energy sources for the country’s booming economy.
In the Stabroek Block, some 17 trillion cubic feet of gas have already been
found, with the Pluma and Haimara wells being proven gas fields. The Guyana Government is seeking to develop this gas.
Back in 2019 and 2023, ExxonMobil drilled for gas at the Haimara-1 and 2 wells, and emerged with varying degrees of success. It was recently revealed that the US oil giant’s drill programme for Guyana for this year and beyond includes plans to further appraise the Haimara 3 and 4 well sites to gauge the commercial potential for gas in the Haimara gas field. (G3)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2024
06:00 (Sign on) Jewanram Gospel Hour
07:00 Cartoons
08:00 Shekinah Ministry
08:30 Evening News (RB)
09:30 Fast & Loud
10:30 Cartoons
11:30 Blippi
12:00 Movie - October Sky (1999)
14:00 Movie - Scooped (2024)
15:30 Movie - The Adventures of Huck Finn (1993)
17:30 The Healing Touch
18:00 Maths is Fun
18:30 Week-in-Review
19:00 Access Exxon Mobil Guyana Ep 34
20:40 Supergirl S2 E3
20:00 Arrow S7 E1
21:00 Riverdale S7 E1
22:00 Movie - Killer Rivalry (2022)
23:30 Stand-up Comedy
00:00 Sign off
Model of the GtE Project infrastructure
Puerto Rican-based company CH4
Within the context of discussing EMERGENCIES, we have written, over the last few weeks, about toxic encounters that companion animals endure because their owners, mostly unwittingly, place the pets in harm’s way.
RAT BAIT
Well, I don’t have to emphasize that our residents throughout the length and breadth of Guyana have, at one time or the other, found it necessary to take serious measures to eliminate vermin that come in all shapes and forms, especially when household hygiene is substandard.
Just as the ubiquitous rodents (rats) are intrigued by these pleasant-smelling pellets or colourful rice grains
RAT BAIT EMERGENCIES (continued)
poison, so, too, do dogs (cats also, but not so much) find the attraction difficult to resist.
Naturally curious, puppies especially find (via smell) the rat bait (pellets or powder), even when it is hidden, and eat these attractive substances. Soon after the pet has ingested the rat bait, symptoms begin to reveal themselves.
immediate symptoms are:
• Vomiting
• Incoordination of movement (wobbly gait)
• Seizures
Later symptoms are:
• Diarrhoea
• Blood in stool
• Lethargy
(listlessness)
• Nose bleeds
• Loss of appetite (unwillingness to eat any food, even liquids)
(N.B. If the animal is in a comatose condition, the end is nigh).
Even as you contact your veterinarian, you may wish to administer (orally with
a syringe) a 3% solution of Hydrogen Peroxide, so as to precipitate vomiting. The dose of Hydrogen Peroxide is 5-20 ml (1 to 4 teaspoonfuls according to the size of the dog) every 30 minutes. Of course, this will work only if the poison is still in the stomach. Thus, it should be administered as soon as you
destroy B vitamins exactly at the time when the animal needs every nutrient in its defense arsenal to encounter the poison in its system. If Hydrogen Peroxide is not available, you may use Activated Charcoal, one ounce orally. In summary, I urge that
have ascertained that the pet has indeed ingested the toxic substance — in this case, the rat bait.
A concentrated saline (salt) solution may also be administered, if no other appropriate chemical agent is available to induce the
you be vigilant at all times, and avoid placing rat bait within the reach of your active and curious pets. Also, and as I have indicated on many occasions, ensure that your Pet’s Medical Kit has Hydrogen Peroxide and Activated Charcoal.
Note that you must replace
vomiting reflex. I am not a great fan of the use of salt solutions.
I have been asked whether raw eggs would work as an emetic for dogs that have ingested poisons. There is no research to support the use of raw eggs, and in my decades of practice, dealing with poisoning and considering what clients have done to treat poisoning, I can state that raw eggs will not work.
Indeed, it may be contraindicated because raw eggs contain enzymes that
the Hydrogen Peroxide once it has passed its expiration date. Also, once it is opened it will lose its efficacy in six months. A good test of efficacy is to pour some into a sink and see if it fizzles. Expired Hydrogen Peroxide will do no harm, but it will not induce vomiting.
Over the coming weeks, we will be discussing other forms of emergencies created by toxic encounters (e.g. insect stings, scorpion/snake /tarantula venoms, toad poisonings, and plant poisons) affecting our pets.
Mocha/Arcadia NDC demolishes squatters’ homes allegedly to sell lands
…cease order for sale issued in September
The Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) of Mocha/ Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD) have allegedly demolished several structures and has damaged property belonging to squatters residing in the informal settlements.
During a Facebook live that went viral on Saturday, residents can be seen picking up what’s left including garments and furnishing while others were seen assembling wood from the land they were occupying.
On the same live broadcast, individuals who seemed furious at the time shared their disappointment with the way in which the NDC handled the matter, noting that the authority had threatened to remove them on several occasions despite not having the legal power to do so.
“The NDC came in with two other guys and said that they want the place for commercial space and we are not supposed to be building and all of that. So, I say man that our structure is up, why you didn’t tell us personally cause then I would understand. Low and behold he
start asking us if Miss Bob selling land and we told him we does just pay 300 for the maintenance of the place and we don’t know about no selling of land. The next morning, he came down and broke down the whole thing, split up the wood, the zinc them disappear and all of that,” Michelle (only name given) shared.
April (only name given) stated “we came at the back here since 2022. We clean, myself and some other family, we started to build because I needed a place urgently. We living here before the road build never see those people, suddenly we went to buy the materials to do that bridge in front there and my son call me and say the NDC said we cannot build here and it illegal to build here because they clean it up for commercial use. They also told him that he had to go into the NDC for the land but they can come and destroy other people’s things for their use.”
Meanwhile another person who lives in the areas stated, “they said their coming at Forth Field as well and I am living at Forth Field, I have kids and I would like
to know what will happen cause we in here since 2015 and never see the NDC. We got livestock, plants and there are single parents here at the back,”
NDC condemned
The Housing and Water Ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has since condemned the acts of the NDC amid receiving reports “that plots of land within the informal settlement are being sold/allocated by operatives
of the Mocha/Arcadia NDC and opposition elements.”
In a public statement, the CH&PA shared that it has been actively working to regularise the informal settlement in Mocha/ Arcadia and made it unequivocally clear that the NDC’s actions are illegal.
“The Ministry of Housing and Water/CH&PA will not recognise any sale or transfer of these lands by unauthorised individuals or entities. We hereby issue a formal warning to those engaged in the illegal sale of these lands
to immediately cease such activities. Likewise, persons attempting to purchase these lands are cautioned that any such transactions will be deemed null and void”.
In November 2022, CH&PA conducted a comprehensive inventory, identifying over 300 occupied and unoccupied structures.
In 2023, residents also met with Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal and Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Sonia Parag, who was Public Service Minister at the time.
According to the Ministry, the land in question is under the jurisdiction of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), and CH&PA has been engaging with NICIL to facilitate the transfer of this land.
In fact, the block plan for three parcels of land is being prepared and is in the transfer process. This is a critical step in the regularisation process, which will enable residents to obtain legal ownership of the land.
Meanwhile, the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, in
a statement of its own on Saturday also warned residents to desist from participating in the illegal sale or leasing of land, making it clear that there will be legal consequences.
“Those found engaging in or attempting to purchase lands through these illegal means are warned that they will be subject to legal consequences,” the Ministry said. They also called on the Mocha/Arcadia NDC and all other NDCs, to desist from such practices. Moreover, they urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities when it comes to the sale of state land.
According to the Ministry on the 9th of September, 2024, a cease order was issued to all NDCs and RDCs explicitly prohibiting “the rental, sale, alienation, encumbrance, or lease of State/ Government land, or any land where the Government has a controlling interest”, without the authorisation of the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development as stipulated in the Local Government Act Cap. 28:02 of the Laws of Guyana. (G1)
Squatter Michelle after the demolition exercise
A squatter packing up wood from a demolished home after the exercise
Lenroy Forde found guilty of 2021 execution of Odingo Heywood
…sentencing set for November
Twenty-eight-year-old Lenroy Michael Forde, also known as “Biggie,” has been convicted of the 2021 murder of Odingo Anthony Heywood.
The jury’s unanimous guilty verdict was delivered on Thursday, following a fourday trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court. Forde is now set to face sentencing on November 8.
The incident unfolded on April 21, 2021, in Charlestown, Georgetown, when Forde confronted 25-year-old Heywood outside his home on Drysdale Street. Prosecutors Alvaro
Ramotar and Delon Fraser told the court that the confrontation stemmed from a robbery that had occurred earlier that year.
Forde, angered over the robbery of an associate known as “Big Head,” followed Heywood home, where the situation turned deadly. Without warning, Forde pulled out a gun and shot Heywood 10 times in the back, killing him on the spot.
Forde managed to elude capture for weeks. After fleeing the murder scene, he hopped from one location to another, moving first to West
Ruimveldt, then to Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), and eventually to the North West District
Dealing with…
…climate kickback
Over in the US, as they proceed into their winter months, Florida and her neighbours have suffered one of their most destructive hurricanes: Helene, with some 200+ deaths, and untold billions in damage and cleanup expenses that are still ongoing!!
And before they could say, “Likety split” – rural Americans say some weird things!! – one of the fastest moving hurricanes ever seen – Milton – barrelled across the Florida panhandle. Fastest moving because the Gulf of Mexico is unusually warm this year!!
Meanwhile, in Europe, floods and wildfires have given way this year to more killer floods. And, of course, the Ukraine War is proceeding apace, with Russia continuing its assault and the West increasing arms shipments to Ukraine!! Oooooh!! Your Eyewitness can just see the arms merchants rubbing their hands with glee!!
So, exactly what’s going on?? It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Climate Change is kicking in – and kicking a whole lotta a55es in the process!! In case you missed it because you were under attack at some Cricket Carnival “concert”, our hell-like heat wave that refuses to move on to sizzle Mad Maduro is OUR sign that Climate Change is here, and it’s REAL! Our war is signalled by the Opposition desperately hitting their flints together to get a spark to start some conflagration over whether the Government’s cash grant proposal is their idea or not!!
Your Eyewitness is really worried that we aren’t taking these two sources of heat – one from the natural world and the other from the social world – seriously enough. Look at all the hotels going up; are their owners being warned that, in a couple of decades, they could all literally become not just Atlantic “beachfront properties”, but BEACHES!??! Maybe a “climate change” tax ought to be imposed to help defray the cost of keeping out the Atlantic. Those sea walls, rip-rap structures and boulders don’t come cheap!!
But, most of all, we better get going with that new Silica City, which the President announced a year ago would be established. Your Eyewitness has said this before, and he’ll keep on saying it till someone listens: LET’S GET IT ON!!! Cause the old people say “who na lissen guh feel!!” and he has no intention of feeling the Atlantic battering his deteriorating body!!
We should start by moving all the Government Ministries and new Parliament Buildings from near the proposed Haags Bosch area to Silica City – like Brazil did with Brasilia back in the sixties. Leaders are supposed to be leading by example, and what better example than our leaders going the whole hog and making Silica City our administrative capital? It’ll be like the US, where New York’s the economic capital and Washington’s the political capital.
Gotta hedge our bets, baby!!
…Oligarchs
There’s a Chinese saying, “Better to be a dog in times of tranquility than a human in times of chaos!” And against that background, Former President Trump’s threats to unleash massive “Universal” tariffs against other countries - which would affect the Chinese the most - just made our times much more “interesting”!! After all, look what poking the Russian Bear’s rump in Europe has gotten us into: bread shortages across the world, since Ukraine and Russia are two of the biggest exporters of wheat.
But from a realpolitik standpoint, your Eyewitness kinda understands the situation in Europe. There, Putin the Authoritarian showed all signs of following in the footsteps of Stalin – or Fredrick the Great, if you will – to build Russia into a “European” power. The USSR had fallen apart through the weight of its own pretentions and contradictions.
If you think trying to have a Cadillac lifestyle in a donkeycart economy is ridiculous, imagine trying to match the US militarily when you can’t even produce a tractor!!
…the Opposition
The PPP really has the Opposition on the run!! Imagine their best answer to the PPP’s initiatives is “We wanted to do that!!” Burnham was full of good ideas (among other things!!) but executed NONE.
(NWD), Region One (BarimaWaini).
Charged: Lenroy Michael Forde
Dead: Odingo Anthony Heywood
Hindu politics
Divali will be celebrated at the end of this month, and being associated with the victory of Sri Ram to institute “Ramrajya”, or ideal governance, it is most apposite to discuss the foundational elements of Divali in order to guide us, rather than the vague, overused trope of “victory of good over evil”.
Hindus do not have an absolutist position on rules and regulations (whether on governance or otherwise).
Rather, we believe that the eternal principles of Dharma have to be applied to the institution under consideration, but our desh, kaal and paristhiti – place, time and circumstances – should be taken into consideration. So, first, the question as to what is ‘dharma’ must be answered, before we can get to its application to governance or politics. But rather than limiting definitions, their lakshanas or attributes are enumerated.
In the Shanti parva of the Mahabharata (109:10-12), there is a very succinct summation of the lakshanas of Dharma: Prabha vaarthaaya bhutanaam dharma pravachanam kritam Yaha sthaat pravabha samyukthah. sa dharma iti nishchayah.
All the sayings of dharma are with a view to nurturing, cherishing, providing more amply, endowing more richly, prospering, increasing, enhancing, all living beings: securing their PRABHAVA. Therefore, whatever has the characteristic of bringing that about is dharma.
Yaha. Syaad dhaarana-samyuktah. Sa dharma iti nishchayah.
All the sayings of dharma are with a view of supporting, sustaining, bringing together, upholding all living beings – in a word, their DHAARANA. Therefore, whatever has the characteristic of doing that is dharma.
Ahimsaarthaaya bhutanaam dharma-pravachanam kritam Yaha. Syaad-ahimsaa-samyuktah. Sa dharma iti nischayah.
All the sayings of dharma are with a view to securing for all living beings freedom from violence. Therefore, whatever has the characteristic of not doing violence is dharma.
It is because of these characteristics of dharma – prabhava, dhaarana and ahimsaa – that Raj Neeti is constituted. For “Raj”, we can substitute what we call today the state. But rather than ‘politics’, neeti is more properly translated political ethics. “Neeti” connotes: conduct; propriety; policy; a plan; politics; righteousness; morality. The ethical element of Dharma is always present.
If the politics we practise is bereft of these three attributes, then we are practising adharma; and in this instance, tyranny, injustice or anarchy.
How does the State achieve all these noble ends? Our shaastras advise that the ruler/executive must possess DANDA, (staff) signifying the bal or “power,” or “force to ensure the law of the fish -matsya nyaya - does not prevail.
THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF THE STATE IS TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE: RAKSHA
MhBrt Shanti parva 68:8
There is no other justification for the king to exist than to protect, in every way, the people. For protection if the first foundation of all social order. It is from the fear of danda that people do not consume each other: it is upon danda that all order is based.
Our task in the present is to therefore insist that our political leaders create the conditions to secure our ‘protectedness’.
Caring for the poor and the Oppressed
In his Arthashastra, Kautilya describes the supreme rule to which the ruler must bow: “In the happiness of his subjects lies his happiness; in their welfare, his welfare; whatever pleases himself, he shall not consider as good, but whatever pleases his subjects he shall consider as good.”(Bk 1, Ch XIX, 39)
The leaders must be free from arrogance (darpa) (formed by) power and authority: “By abusing his great power, where the king begins to oppress the weak, and takes to adharma, there his officials make that kind of behaviour their means of livelihood as well…Full of such arrogant people, that kingdom is soon destroyed. (MhBht Shanti Parva 931-2)
AAPAD DHARMA: IN TIMES OF EMERGENCY
The exigencies of circumstances alter the application of Dharmic principles to Raj Niti, and is most graphically illustrated in catastrophic ‘emergencies’.
When political, social and economic conditions become such that life or the state itself is threatened with destruction – in such an abnormal time or emergency, aapad kaal – then all must be done for self-preservation. “It is better to be alive than dead; alive, a person can order his life again.” Shanti parva 141:65
“The king and the people should, in times of distress, protect each other: this is the abiding dharma of all times.” SP 130:30
During Aapad Kaal, therefore, the state must take whatever steps that are necessary for the survival of the society. After the emergency is over however, the principles of Dharma must be reasserted.
Bartica men each fined $200,000 for DUI
In a session held on Friday at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Teriq Mohamed dealt with two separate cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
Carlson Babb, a 32-yearold resident of the West Indian Housing Scheme in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) faced multiple charges. He was found guilty of operating a motor vehicle with a breath alcohol level exceeding the legal limit, resulting in a fine of $200,000 with an alternative of three-months’ imprisonment.
peat offenders subject to a $300,000 fine. Additionally, those convicted of DUI offences will have their licenses suspended for 12 months, a harsher consequence than before.
In addition to the DUI charge, Babb was also charged for driving an uninsured vehicle, incurring a further fine of $25,000, and for operating an unlicensed motor vehicle, which carried an additional penalty of $10,000.
Similarly, Leondro Torres, a 30-year-old Bartica resident, appeared before the same magistrate on a DUI charge. Like Babb, he pleaded guilty to driving with an elevated breath alcohol level and was also fined $200,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in a sentenced of three months in prison.
The penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) have seen a significant increase, with firsttime offenders now facing a $200,000 fine, up from the previous $30,000, and re -
In tandem with the revised penalties, amendments to the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act of 2022 have placed greater responsibility on bar owners. They are now legally obligated to prevent drunkenness on their premises and are prohibited from selling, giving, or bartering alcohol to individuals who are already intoxicated. Failure to comply with these rules will result in increased fines.
The GPF has stressed that DUI and speeding remain the leading contributors to road accidents across the country, according to police statistics. (G8)
Ravi Dev
Charged: Carlson Babb
Charged: Leondro Torres
Haimwati Vedya Hariprasad is a 41-year-old mother of two who was last year diagnosed with thyroid cancer, having re-
ceived the earth-shattering news on July 27, 2023.
“The doctor said, ‘Your results show you have thyroid cancer,’ and I became numb, speechless, and motionless. I remember tears just rolled down my eyes,” Haimwati
recalled during an interview with Guyana Times.
This stay-at-home mom had been consulting a doctor for goiter - an enlarged thyroid gland - since 2016, and had been using medication; but her condition was not im-
proving because the thyroid gland had just kept increasing in size. As such, she had decided to have it removed. Surgery was done on July 22, 2023, and that was when the doctors had detected the cancer.
“During the surgery, the doctor and his team noticed something there, and they told my older son and asked him to sign for the permission to take a bit out and send it for a biopsy,” Haimwati explained. Five days later, she received a call from the lab technician, informing her that the results were ready and that she needed to visit the doctor.
“I was so nervous (that) I asked her (to share the results), but she said she can’t do that, it’s my doctor’s job,” Haimwati noted.
Having mustered the courage, and accompanied by her husband, she met with the doctor and received the news that changed her life forever.
“I didn’t speak for a while, but my husband was asking questions,” Haimwati recalled. “My doctor then told me it’s not the end of life, and (that I must) be thankful we found it at its early stage; and he started telling me about what we can do,” she noted.
Her options included radiation therapy and surgery.
“At this time, I didn’t know anyone with cancer. I came home and I started to read. I literally read till I got blank.”
After all the research and advice from family members, Haimwati eventually opted to have the surgery in Guyana.
Initially, she had hoped to visit the United States of America to be able to do radiation therapy there, but her application for a visa had been denied.
Upon her request, Haimwati was referred to another doctor, whom she said was very helpful and thoughtful throughout the process.
“He discussed everything with me. He sent all the research and info to me, and he told me to ask him anything, and (said that) at any time I can call to find out anything that bothers me…,” Haimwati explained.
She noted that she really appreciated the kindness of this doctor, and that she had had a successful surgery on August 26, 2023.
After the surgery, she had had to do regular checkups; and she is still in the process of doing such tests, to ensure the cancer does not return, or to determine if it has spread
to other areas.
Haimwati says that dealing with the cancer has been a costly undertaking, and she is currently trying to gather financial support in this regard.
As a cancer survivor, Haimwati says, her life will never be the same.
“I now live on some pills daily. I can’t live without them… Honestly, I am tired of drinking them, but I have to (continue the treatment), I have no choice,” she declared. Haimwati explained that she lives in constant pain, especially from cramps.
“This happens when my calcium level is low. Sometimes I have to end up at the hospital to take calcium; and boy, that thing is painful! Gosh! I keep asking where did cancer come from,” she disclosed. “The pains I bear are unbearable at times, but it’s prayers and faith keeping me alive,” Hamwaiti noted.
She also has a good support system in her daily battle to survive.
“I was told that the best cure (for) any sickness is love, comfort, and mental and emotional support. And I am sincerely thankful to all my many friends and family who have been there for me from day one to date…,” she notes.
“I am forever thankful to my husband and my older son, also my mom and sister. My mom, she is my strength. Many days I can’t get up to do anything, she is going to cook, wash, clean, and send my seven-year-old off to school,” Haimwati revealed.
She also has the support of the Guyana Cancer Foundation, founded and headed by Bibi Hassan.
“The ladies and Miss Bibi are all very loving and supportive to me, and we have a great relationship,” she expressed.
Haimwati is urging everyone to take their health seriously. To those persons battling cancer and dealing with the side effects of this deadly disease – such as depression – Hamwatie is encouraging them to have faith. Her message to them is stated below.
“Life will never be the same. Knowing the fact that this is a deadly disease you are fighting, it is scary; but, like I said, God is in charge. I am being reminded every day that nothing lasts forever, but with God’s timing, things will get better. I know it’s not an easy life, but remember: God bring you this far, and He will never leave you. He will make a way somehow to better your life.”
Haimwati Vedya Hariprasad
PAC reaffirms zero tolerance for animal cruelty
…urges public to report abuse, plans awareness campaign
As drivers of several animal-drawn vehicles are sometimes seen striking animals (mainly horses) in attempts to increase the speed of these vehicles and engaging in other abusive actions towards animals, the Protective Areas Commission (PAC) has reaffirmed its stance on no violence towards animals.
These reaffirmed views were shared by Commissioner (ag) Jason Fraser during an interview with this publication.
According to him, the PAC does not support this in any way. His views also come
on the heels of situations where people occasionally see injured animals, such as horses or cows, on the roadways and are unaware of the appropriate authorities to contact.
“Okay, well first let me say that the PAC is against animal cruelty in any shape or form, so much so that we’ve established a rehabilitation centre at the zoo. For persons who may come across such animals that need help, they can bring them to the zoo for rehabilitation and then re-release as a first thing.”
On this note, Fraser high-
lighted the possibility of strengthening its stance by hosting several campaigns.
“I mean, if there’s any way that we could put out, in fact, maybe we can even start a campaign from the PAC. It’s a very good idea… against animal cruelty and against overloading of such animals. Maybe that’s something that we could consider as part of our daily reminder because we do have, but we have these different issues that we would put out there on animals and about conservation so what I’ll do, I’ll definitely include and make sure that we put out at least one
Commissioner (ag) of the Protected Areas Commission, Jason Fraser
post every month that highlights these issues raised.”
Meanwhile, he highlighted what the PAC is doing to ensure the well-being of animals in Guyana.
“So, one of the things that we at the PAC are doing is, one, we have a rehabilitation centre at the zoological park, so if there are any animals that need assistance and help, there’s a place for that. We have our vets in place, and we have a support system there. Well, of course, our stance is we’re completely against that. I think every animal, as a being, deserves to be treated well, and
I think it’s very shameful, to be honest, that these practices happen.”
However, Fraser made it known that there is a common conversation centered around the economy of the people who use these vehicles for income.
“Of course, as you and I both know, there’s this balance between economic activity and how we care for animals. But we don’t condone violence.”
Keeping up with the PAC’s visions to ensure animals being treated properly he also highlighted ongoing activities.
Deadly helicopter crash Guyana Govt to meet with US Transportation and Safety Board on Wednesday …as
probe on black box reaches final stage
The examination of the black box from the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Bell 412 helicopter, which contains information surrounding the circumstances that led to the tragic December 6, 2023 crash is in the final stages.
The black box was handed over to the United States (US) National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) back in December 2023 for the retrieval of data following a crash that claimed the lives of Brigadier (Retired) Gary Beaton; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Shahoud; Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, and Sergeant Jason Khan.
Two soldiers survived the crash: Corporal Dwayne Jackson and Lieutenant Andio Crawford.
During a brief telephone interview with this publication on Saturday, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said that Government has one more engagement with NTSB before the findings from the black box are handed over to the relevant authorities.
Guyana Times understands that the meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
“The report is at its final stage and once that meeting takes place, the next step is that all the stakeholders, we’d have to send the report to all the stakeholders to their comment. And after they would have made their comment, then it can be published according to the Article 13 instructions of the ICO regulations,” Edghill shared.
Responding to questions about the whether or not the black box was severely damaged as a result of the helicopter crash, Edghill explained that reports from NTSB will provide clarity of all speculations circulating in the public sphere.
“I’m saying the black box is with the NTSB and they
will tell us finally what information is available and what is not available,” he added.
On December 6, the Bell 412 helicopter, with registration 8R-AYA, left GDF Headquarters at Camp Ayanganna at 09:24h, and travelled 144 miles to Olive Creek, where it arrived at 10:27h. After refuelling, the helicopter departed at 10:58h for a 58-mile journey to Arau, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) near Guyana’s border with Venezuela.
Contact was lost with the aircraft, and an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) alert was received about 11:19h.
The GDF had said the chopper was on a command trip to Arau, Macapa, and Eteringbang, as part of Guyana’s response to an “imminent threat to our territory”. The specified helicopter possesses an unladen weight of 3207kg, an internal payload capacity of 2190kg, a maximum total weight of 5398kg, and a cargo hook capability of 2041kg.
The Bell 412 EPI helicopter also had a system designed to warn the pilot of obstacles ahead, enabling them to take evasive measures. However, it has been disclosed by the GDF that only the aircraft’s black box holds the potential to offer insights into this capability.
Lieutenant Crawford and Corporal Jackson were finally extracted from the crash site after two days and multiple thwarted attempts by the search-andrescue team to rescue them. Adverse weather conditions in the mountains of Region Seven had posed a multitude of challenges for the survivors to be rescued.
Brigadier Beaton was the project engineer; Colonel Shahoud, an Attorney-atLaw, was Commander of the 1st Infantry Battalion; Lieutenant Colonel Charles was the pilot; Lieutenant Colonel Welcome was the Commanding Officer of the
Reserve Battalion; and Staff Sergeant Khan was from the 31 Special Forces Squadron. Based on reports, the helicopter suffered significant damage, particularly in the fuselage, with only a few pieces remaining. (G1)
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill
The victims of the crash: Brigadier (retired) Gary Beaton; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Shahoud; Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles; and Warrant Officer Class II, Jason Khan
Armogan loses hope that Corentyne fisherfolk will benefit from Suriname’s licences
Region Six (East
Berbice-Corentyne)
Chairman David Armogan has little faith that the Suriname Government would issue fishing licences to Corentyne fisherfolk so that they will have the necessary authority to use the Corentyne River on their way to the Atlantic to ply their trade.
Fisherfolk on the Corentyne, who operate at deep sea, leave for their expeditions from ports situated at Number 66 and Number 69 Villages, they must first use the Corentyne River to get to the Atlantic regardless of if they are fishing in Suriname of Guyana waters.
One of their major concerns is that the Corentyne River is considered Suriname waters.
Authorities in the Dutchspeaking territory demand that in order to use the Corentyne River, they first must obtain a licence from the Surinamese Government.
A 1980, agreement be-
tween the two countries stated that the Dutch-speaking country must issue 50 licences directly to Guyanese fisherfolk, but this was stopped in 2003.
The licences cost SR$2500 which is approximately Guyana $16,300 or US$81. In Nickerie, which is a town close to the border, some Surinamese business persons secure dozens of licences, which are then rented to Guyanese for US$5000 annually.
Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi had promised that 150 would be made available to fisherfolk on the Corentyne and one year after he took office, President Dr Irfaan Ali visited Suriname to meet with his Surinamese counterpart.
During that August 2021, high-level meeting which was also attended by Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd,
President Santokhi promised that 150 licences would be made available to Guyanese fisherfolk and even went as far as saying that the licences might be issued before the end of that year.
However, that never happened and fisherfolk continue to plead with the Guyana Government to act on their behalf.
Back in February, on the sidelines of the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference held in Georgetown, President Santokhi assured that this issue was on the agenda for dialogue between the two countries.
The Surinamese leader also explained that there were some legal issues in his country that could require parliamentary amendments or a new agreement between the two countries. Nevertheless, he reassured that a decision in the best interest of both countries would be taken.
“It is on the agenda; let
us look at what the views are -when President Ali visits Paramaribo. You have to take into consideration that this case was thoroughly examined by both sides and one of the issues is that there are some legal implications. But we are leaders who solve things. If things need to be solved in the parliament, if things need to be solved in agreement, if things need to be solved within the spirit of CARICOM Treaty, we have to do it but we are not running away from our responsibility to take a proper decision… The question is on the agenda and we’re looking for the best solution in the interest of both countries,” President Santokhi had stated.
Region Six Chairman David Armogan addressing the Regional Democratic
Council (RDC) recently said he has little confidence in promises made by President Santokhi.
“He is saying that the fisheries law in Suriname has to be changed to accommodate the issuing of the licences directly to the Guyanese and the other parties in parliament do not want to change that law. So our boys have to get the licences from Surinamese to be able to go and fish and when they get their catch it has to go to Suriname. It is unfortunate that President Santokhi did make a commitment. He had just come in as President and so was probably was not familiar with the law,” Armogan told the RDC.
President Santokhi heads a coalition Government and the Agriculture Ministry in his Government is not from his party. Some say that the Agriculture
Meanwhile,
Minister benefits from the situation as it currently is.
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo earlier this month also weighed in on the issue again, saying that the situation is utterly disgusting. (G4)
Region Six Chairman, David Armogan
2 wanted in connection with Yarrowkabra murder
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued wanted bulletins for Samuel Browne, 23, and Antwan Sampson, 20, in connection with the murder of Aubrey Richardson, a 61-yearold resident of Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
Richardson was shot during a robbery at Sattie’s Shop in Yarrowkabra on August 24 and succumbed to his injuries days later.
Browne’s last known address is Yarrowkabra, LindenSoesdyke Highway, while Sampson has two known addresses: Kaneville Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and Yarrowkabra, LindenSoesdyke Highway.
Authorities urge anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact the police immediately on telephone numbers 227-1149, 225-8196, 227-1611, 268-2328/268-2329,
226-3405, 225-6978, 3333876, or 225-8196.
It was reported that Richardson, known by many as “Gooby,” was at Sattie’s Shop with a friend on the night of August 24 when the robbery occurred.
A man reportedly entered the shop, purchased a small item, and moments later brandished a gun, shooting Richardson in the back. The shooter fled the scene immediately, leaving Richardson gravely injured.
He was rushed to the hospital but died after several days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to complications from the gunshot wounds.
Richardson’s death has sparked calls for justice from his grieving family, who in an interview with Guyana
Times this week, expressed that they are frustrated with the pace of the investigation. They said they believe the full details of the crime have not been revealed and have raised concerns about possible connections between the suspects and individuals in the Yarrowkabra community.
Family members have alleged that there may be more to the case than just a robbery, and they are urging law enforcement to pursue the investigation thoroughly and transparently.
More than a month after the fatal shooting, family
members of Richardson have also expressed deep concerns about the handling of the investigation. They have highlighted the delay in action and the lack of communication from the police as reasons for their growing mistrust in the process.
A post-mortem report revealed that Richardson died from septic shock due to injuries sustained from the gunshot wound, further intensifying the family’s demands for accountability and a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. (G9)
Dead: Aubrey Richardson
Wanted: Antwan Sampson
Wanted: Samuel Browne
GtE Project to improve manufacturing standards in Guyana – GMSA President
The Guyana Government’s plan to reduce the cost of electricity with the Gas-toEnergy (GtE) Project will not only lower the cost of manufacturing but also improve the standard of manufacturing and aid in local manufacturers becoming more competitive.
This is according to President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Ramsay Ali who informed investors at the recently concluded International Business Conference (IBC) that the GtE Project will play a crucial role in ensuring that international standards are achieved and consistently maintained.
Ali believes that the project also has the potential to further develop the manufacturing sector.
“If you were to talk to manufacturers in this room, the issue was not only about cost, but it was also about the quality of energy that manufacturers receive. Most
manufacturing companies operate with very sensitive equipment. And unfortunately for us, over the years, the power company was not able to supply us with the kind of quality energy we need in this country. And based on everything we are told, not only are we going to be benefiting from energy, the cost of energy going down significantly, but
the grid, the significance of the money is being spent on the grid to get that in a place where manufacturers can feel comfortable and investors can say, look, I can bring my equipment in here and I can benefit from something that is good and useful,” Ali shared.
Ali further disclosed that the enhanced energy grid will help to support manu-
facturers who are considering expanding their operations in Guyana.
“To the people in the room that are, you know, thinking about Guyana and manufacturing and energy costs, it’s not only about the Gas to Shore project also, because I’ve heard the president speak and other Ministers of Government speak about, you know, oth-
er areas of energy from different sources, including hydro and solar energy. So, I believe that in closing this and just moving on from this topic that we are finally going to move away from that place where we are no longer suffering from the cost of energy from manufacturers in Guyana… If you were to factor in the costs, the new costs, we are going to be much more competitive in the export market and that is something we look forward to,” he added.
The US$759 million GtE Project is expected to deliver power to the national grid in 2025.
The GtE Project consists of five key components: laying of the pipeline to bring the gas on shore; construction of the power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility; installation of the transmission lines; building of a new control centre; and upgrading of the aged power distribution system.
Guyana had, in April 2023, approached the US
EXIM Bank for a US$761 million loan to finance the GtE Project, and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had disclosed in September that the bank was preparing to submit a report to its Board at a meeting this month. That was after the technical and environmental due diligence work had been done by the US EXIM Bank, which had sent experts to Guyana for these assessments.
However, even as Guyana awaits approval of this loan, Government has already spent some US$400 million on the GtE Project, and could potentially fund the entire initiative if the US EXIM Bank loan is not approved.
It has been explained that the aim was to borrow approximately US$650 million from the US Bank to fund the GtE initiative, while the Guyana Government was expected to put up the other US$100 million as advance payment to support the initiative.
(G1)
Malik Yoba inspires Guyanese actors
…American actor calls for more support for local theatre and film industry
The energy within the Marriott Hotel was beaming through the roofs as American actor Malik Yoba sprinkled a touch of greatness on dozens of Guyanese actors, theatre practitioners, and spoken word talents who were ready to take their talents to the next level.
He is known for his starring role as NYPD Detective J.C. Williams on the Fox police drama New York Undercover and as Yul Brenner in 2007 American comedy-drama film adaptation written, produced, directed, and starring Tyler Perry.
Speaking at the event, Yoba inspired the crowd by using one simple metaphor—one in which a young 7-year-old aspiring actor was present at the event who was just about to showcase an act for the crowd gathered at the event, however he did not receive beaming support from Guyanese onlookers.
He highlighted and made it very clear that his points were not meant to cast judgment but to bring awareness to what he had
observed so far.
“Imagine we have a kid here that’s saying he’s an actor but we are not clapping and giving him enough energy that he needs to showcase his talent, clearly, he is just nervous, but we don’t have the right spirit to really build the things we want to build because if we want to play in Hollywood and on a global level, it’s going to take energy and real resilience to do that,” the award-winning actor noted.
He further went down the line of this figurate speech to reveal what this can cause for the industry later down the line.
“Because of the lack of energy, it’s not a judgment; it’s an observation. If young people are the future of your country and you don’t have the ability to applaud and give energy—not anything financial or even your time, because he’s already here— maybe it’s a cultural thing; I don’t know; it’s my first time. But if you’re going to play on an international stage, you’ve got to bring it because that’s what the world is expecting.”
His advice, which did not
fall on deaf ears, resonated with those gathered at the event, affirming his speech and signaling a change in their mindsets.
This led him to say that passiveness of support cannot coherently thrive in the film and theatre industry.
“You can’t be passive in an industry that’s not looking for you. If you’re going to create your own space, create your own space even in a simple moment like this…. even though the young man
Lenroy Forde found guilty...
In his confession to police, Forde revealed how he attempted to hide by cutting off his hair and staying with his girlfriend in Bartica. Together, the couple dodged authorities, even fleeing into the bushes when police arrived at her home.
However, Forde’s efforts to remain hidden eventually failed. Acting on intelligence, police arrested him and his girlfriend in the NWD. She now faces charges for harboring a fugitive.
The trial, which began on October 14, 2024, saw a
FROM PAGE 8
steady stream of witnesses, both civilian and police, recounting the events of that fateful day. In his defense, Forde’s attorney, Glendon Greenidge, argued for leniency, but the overwhelming evidence—including Forde’s own written confession—sealed his fate. (G9)
was nervous, he didn’t leave. So, if we’re going to build anything, we must stay committed…have vigor, we have to have conviction, and we have to have energy in it because the world ain’t laid back like that, especially in the creative community.”
It was quite evident that nothing ever holds Yoba back in life; however, he expressed the source of this and his uphill growth.
“I’ve never focused on challenges and obstacles; I’ve focused on what I want and what I believe. What’s for you will not pass you; if it’s divinely yours, what God has for you, then nobody can take it from you. If there are challenges in life—not just in the industry—the question is, if this is the thing that you believe you are supposed to do, you get up every day believing in it.”
Amidst the series of shows that he was involved in, he urged people to get into the film industry and to focus on monetising their gifts.
Abdul-Malik Kashie Yoba, who was born on September 17, 1967, is known for his starring role
‘In fact, what we are doing—this is more for domesticated animals—we have actually, outside of having the rehabilitation centre at the zoo, also established what we like to call a park for pets and animals. It’s a couple thousand square feet where people can bring their pets to enjoy freedom, if you would like
as NYPD Detective J. C. Williams on the Fox police drama New York Undercover and as Yul Brenner in the film Cool Runnings. He appeared as former FBI agent Bill Harken on the Syfy drama series Alphas, as Jim Hudson in Revolution, and as Vernon Turner in Empire. He also starred in the role of FBI Deputy Director Jason Atwood in the ABC political drama, Designated Survivor. In 2018, he joined the Netflix drama Seven Seconds as a member of a support group for parents who had lost their children. He also appeared in Jordan Peele’s TBS comedy The Last OG with Tracy Morgan.
National film commission
Just last week, President, Dr Irfaan Ali had announced that his administration is laying the groundwork for a national film commission in an effort to inspire a world-class film production environment in Guyana.
The President made this announcement during his address at a special sitting of the 12th Parliament on Thursday.
to say that, off their leashes and that kind of thing.”
Enlightening more, he shed light on domesticated animals, stating that the PAC also provides injections for animals and deworming.
“We also have an ongoing activity where we team up with local vets to provide all the necessary treat-
Other cultural initiatives that have been given a boost is the Guyanese Prize for Literature initiative, which is now an annual event that recognises and rewards local literary talent in a rapidly growing list of categories.
The president also recently highlighted the Creative and Cultural Industries Grant, which remains unmatched in the Caribbean in terms of size and scope and has awarded over US$450,000 to local artists and entrepreneurs for a variety of creative goods and services.
Looking ahead, the Government plans to launch a public consultation in 2025 on a revised National Cultural Policy. This framework will address issues such as integrating culture into development, heritage preservation, and the growth of the creative industry, while also considering the impact of the digital ecosystem and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on culture, entertainment synergies, and the creation of recording studios to nurture local talent. (G2)
ments. It usually happens on a Sunday, once every quarter, right here at the National Park. We provide all the necessary injections, deworming, and these kinds of things so we are definitely pro-animal and definitely against abuse of course, we definitely emphasize that.” (G2)
GMSA President Ramsay Ali
American Actor Malik Yoba
Around the World Netanyahu’s house hit by drone as Israel and Hezbollah trade blows in Lebanon
Benjamin Netanyahu’s house in the seaside town of Caesarea was hit by a drone on Saturday, causing superficial damage and no casualties, as Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon rage unabated after the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
The Israeli government said that one of the prime minister’s three homes was targeted by three drones, two of which were intercepted, and that neither Netanyahu nor his wife, Sara, were home at the time.
In a statement on Saturday night, Benjamin Netanyahu said: “The attempt by Iran’s proxy Hezbollah to assassinate me and my wife today was a grave mistake.”
Netanyahu vowed that Iran and its proxies would “pay a heavy price” and said Israel would continue to “eliminate the terrorists and those who dispatch them”.
Reports had emerged of his house in northern Israel being targeted on Saturday. The prime minister and his wife, Sara, were not home at the time. Israeli media later published a video of the prime minister walking in a park.
Mexican Navy arrests 23 people in record drug bust
of
Israel’s air raid system was not triggered by the lightweight drones, which are difficult to detect. The Lebanese militia Hezbollah did not claim responsibility for the attack, but said it fired several barrages of rockets at northern and central Israel, which killed a 50-year-old man in Acre.
The rocket attacks came after Hezbollah said on Friday it had entered a new phase of the full-scale war that began with Israel’s ground invasion of southern Lebanon earlier this month. The Shia group, allied to Iran, said it planned to send more guided missiles and explosive drones into Israel. On Saturday an Israeli drone strike killed two people driving
on the highway in Jounieh, a Christian-majority city north of Beirut, marking the first time the city has been hit. The attack was the latest in a series of assassinations in northern Lebanon over the last month in areas that have otherwise not seen any Israeli strikes.
Eyewitness accounts said the drone fired at a car three times before a man and a woman fled the car on foot, where they were struck down in a field next to the highway. Glass storefronts near the airstrikes were shattered, shrapnel littered the highway and there was a crater where the couple was killed by the drone.
(The Guardian)
Mexico’s navy said on Friday it had arrested 23 people in its largest-ever drugs bust, seizing some 8.4 thousand kilograms of illicit cargo in an operation off the country’s southwestern Pacific coast.
“This represents the largest quantity of drugs seized in a maritime operation, without precedent in the history of the institution,” the navy said in a statement.
Britain joined its Five Eyes intelligence partners on Wednesday in saying India’s cooperation with Canada’s legal process was “the right next step” in the deepening diplomatic row between the two countries, adding that it had full confidence in Canada’s judicial system.
Canadian police said on Monday they had credible evidence that Indian agents including India’s high commissioner to Canada were linked to the murder of the Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil in June 2023 and accused
The seized assets are worth at least two billion pesos ($100 million), it said.
The United States has pushed Mexico to ramp up its efforts to stop drug trafficking, while Mexico has pressured the United States to do more to stem the flow of firearms to criminal groups across the border into Mexico. (Reuters)
The navy also seized 8.7 thousand liters of fuel and six boats of the coast near Lazaro Cardenas, in Michoacan state, and further south off the coast of Guerrero state. “The 23 detainees, who were read their rights, as well as the six boats, the presumed drugs and the fuel, were handed over to the competent authorities for integration into the corresponding investigation,” the navy added.
UK calls for India to cooperate with Canada’s legal process as row deepens
Delhi of a broader effort to target Indian dissidents in Canada.
India has rejected the Canadian accusations and retaliated by ordering the expulsion of six high-ranking Canadian diplomats, including the acting high commissioner.
The British Foreign Office said in a statement: “We are in contact with our Canadian partners about the serious developments outlined in the independent investigations in Canada.
The UK has full confidence in Canada’s judicial system … The government of
India’s cooperation with Canada’s legal process is the right next step.”
The statement follows a phone call between the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, and the Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, on Tuesday night. In a statement, Downing Street said the two leaders “discussed recent developments regarding allegations under investigation in Canada. Both agreed on the importance of the rule of law. They agreed to remain in close contact pending the conclusions of the investigation.” (The Guardian)
Three killed in Tobago road accident
AROAD ACCIDENT in Tobago on October 19 has claimed the lives of three people.
The names of the deceased have not yet been released.
Police said around 2.54 am, a white Nissan Latio with three occupants was travelling south on Shirvan Road when it collided with a silver Mitsubishi Lancer, near Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort, Black Rock.
Both vehicles were seriously damaged and three
people were taken to the Scarborough General Hospital, where they lat
Members of the Mexican Navy stand guard next to packages on display after seizing some 8.4 thousand kilograms
illicit cargo and arresting 23 people in an operation off the country’s southwestern Pacific coast, near Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan, Mexico, in this undated handout photo released on October 18, 2024 (Mexican Navy/Handout via Reuters)
IDFC First Bank Series 2024/25: NZ vs India: Test 1 of 3…
INDIA SET NEW ZEALAND 107 FOR VICTORY
collapse after earlier flexing muscle
Test cricket was exhibited in all its glory as India, led by the impish Sarfaraz Khan and the consistent Rishabh Pant, threatened to pull off the unthinkable in an audacious manner. But the second new ball claimed seven wickets for 62 runs, to leave New Zealand with 107 needed to win their first Test in India in 36 years. That, incidentally, is the lowest target successfully defended in India, but that was on a rank turner in Mumbai in 2004-05.
In this match, Test cricket was shorn of all niceties. New Zealand bowlers were under extreme pressure from Sarfaraz and Pant, who added 177 in 35.1 overs as India tried to become only the second team to win a Test from a sub-50 first innings score. This same approach resulted in a collapse when the second new ball started to nip around. This was high-variance Test cricket. India lost 17 wickets for 108 runs to the
pummelled and made to look toothless for 80 overs, it was a show of remarkable skill and persistency to roar back into the match.
In under 20 overs, they drew 43 false shots from India, having done so only 72 times in the first 80 overs. Much of it
first and the third new balls, but scored 400 for 3 in 80 overs in-between.
India's quick scoring rate meant the second new ball was New Zealand's absolute last roll of the dice. Had New Zealand failed to cause any damage with that new ball, the best they could have hoped for was a draw. Keeping in mind how they had been
was down to Sarfaraz swinging his bat in hoping to blast the new ball, but who dares question that approach when Sarfaraz scored 150 runs while showing similarly scant regard for the bowling?
Pant himself tried to hit his way out: gloving a sweep off Tim Southee, slog-sweeping him out of the stadium, but then playing on the 6'6"
Will O'Rourke with the replacement ball on 99, to be dismissed for the seventh time in the 90s, with six hundreds.
O'Rourke was fiery: 3-30-3 at one point with the new ball, before Matt Henry found just the optimum seam to take out the last three Indian batters. It showed just how far you fall behind when you get bowled out for 46.
Sarfaraz and Pant carried on from the 231 for 3 on day three, and managed to oneup the progress. Having been team-mates at the Under-19 World Cup, they were innovative and thrilling.
Sarfaraz turned his first Test hundred into a 150, his 11th first-class score of 150 or more out of his 16 hundreds; and Pant, who missed keeping duties after a knock on his surgically repaired knee from his life-threatening road accident, matched Sarfaraz in audacity. However, with his running being hampered, Pant turned at least two opportunities to score two runs into scoring singles as he approached the hundred. After losing his wicket, he walked back to the dugout with a wistful look at the sky.
If Sarfaraz toyed with the bowling with late-cuts and ramps while ducking and weaving, Pant slog-swept fast bowlers, and charged at them to hit them past mid-off. His five sixes took him past Kapil Dev and placed him sixth in the list of top six-hitters for India in Tests.
Before the new ball, the only time New Zealand had come close to a wicket was a run-out opportunity at Pant's end, but Tom Blundell had reprieved him for the second time in the match by leaving his base to collect a wide throw, seemingly unaware of the opportunity at his end. Pant was then only on six.
As Pant felt his way into the innings, scoring 12 off
the first 24 balls he faced, Sarfaraz took only six balls in the morning to bring out his cheekiness: a nonchalant ramp off O'Rourke's first ball of the day. When the field was reinforced with a deep third and a deep point, Sarfaraz still bisected players.
Pant Soon joined him. They showed little regard for the field-sets, no fear of making mistakes, and bowlers again failed to provide Tom Latham with any control. The
would have been a single for any other batter, but he had sent all the fielders elsewhere with his late-cuts. The boundary brought up an emotional hundred.
When Ajaz got one to kick at Pant from the rough, the glove absorbed a lot of the impact, and the ball went straight down. Pant now decided he had to attack. In one dramatic Ajaz over, he hit two sixes, then survived an inside edge and an outside edge. The inside one saved him from lbw, and his back pad denied
Sarfaraz survived seven various kinds of false shots before he finally lobbed one to cover as the ball seamed away from him. Pant, not quite at home himself against the new ball, tried a sweep before actually dropping jaws on the floor with the slog-swept six to go into the 90s.
Then came O'Rourke, who had been ramped for four with the first ball in the morning. This time, his first ball nipped back and kicked at Pant to take the fatal bottom edge and silence the crowd. His extra
biggest disappointment was Ajaz Patel, who turned the ball less than the part-timer Rachin Ravindra.
It seemed as though the seam bowlers wanted to trap Sarfaraz lbw, but that only kept giving him easy singles on the leg side. When the keeper came up to the stumps to root Pant to the crease, the visitors were rewarded with an edge, but the dying pitch didn't have enough in it to make it carry. Soon, though, Pant lofted Southee from the crease for a six back over his head.
In the eighth over of the day, Sarfaraz punched Southee to deep cover for what
New Zealand a catch off the outside edge.
Pant still managed to hit one more four in the over, India's 47th boundary, than the runs they scored in the first innings.
A shower brought New Zealand some relief, but India kept attacking before the new ball, taking their run rate back up to five runs an over. At first it appeared as though New Zealand had exhausted all their luck in getting the conditions to bowl India out for 46 and in getting Rohit Sharma out in the second innings, because everything just started going past the bat or falling safe.
bounce and seam movement away also accounted for KL Rahul. Then one came slowly off the surface to take the toe end on a Ravindra Jadeja pull. Henry also bowled an unbroken ten-over spell to keep a lid on the scoring and take the last three wickets to go with his first innings' five. While India fans had gone from praying for the rain to stop to now hoping for biblical thunderstorms, India didn't seem pleased when they were asked to go off early for bad light, which did later turn into a massive storm. The new ball was moving, and India were hoping for some damage under artificial lights.
Will O'Rourke triggered a batting collapse
Rishabh Pant swept Tim Southee out of the ground
What's that shot?! Rishabh Pant used his imagination to fire India into the lead
Will O'Rourke took two quick wickets before tea
West Indies Tour of Sri Lanka 2024/25: 3-match ODI Series…
HOPE STRESSES NEED FOR EFFICIENT EXECUTION,
West Indies ODI captain Shai Hope knows all too well that if his team were to have any chance of winning their three-match series against Sri Lanka, players would have to pull their weight and execute with precision.
In fact, Hope has highlighted the need for consistency across all departments. Stressing that no one can afford to have an off day if the team is to compete at the highest level and climb back up the ICC rankings, he reminded that crucial ICC ranking points and World Cup qualification implications are at stake in this series.
The opening match of this ODI series will take place at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium today (Sunday). Game time is 4:00am Jamaica Time and 5:00am Eastern Caribbean Time.
“We're looking ahead, so we got to ensure that we play good cricket and see if we can get ourselves back up the rankings. We don't necessarily have to qualify this time around, but we got to take it one step at a time; because, as much as we are looking ahead, we still got to make sure we stay in the present as well,”
Hope said in a pre-game press conference.
“We've got a few new members, we got some returning guys, and we've got to gel those consistent performances together as best as we can; especially now, when things are not looking too bright for us in the last couple of years. But I'm sure we've got everything
in the tank that we need to become a successful team,” he added.
Despite having undeniable talent, the West Indies have struggled to string together efficient performances in the ODI format in particular, and Hope believes this is where the team must show improvement if they are to rise in the rankings, as the Caribbean side is currently lagging at 10th in the rankings.
“We want to improve in all areas! As you can see, we're not where we want to be, but this is how it goes. Sometimes you can't win every game, but in order to be one of the top teams in the world, you got to be a lot more consistent in all three areas. So, we just need to be more ruthless when it comes to our preparation and the way we go out there on the field, and just find ways to win key moments in games, and do
it more consistently,” Hope stressed.
With Sri Lanka expected to pose a tough challenge, especially on home turf, Hope is determined to ensure his squad is mentally and physically prepared for what lies ahead.
“Well, whenever you come to Sri Lanka, you got to expect the ball to do a little bit, especially from a spin-bowling standpoint. But yeah, we can't have too much of a predetermined mindset, we have to wait and see what the pitch is going to offer tomorrow (Sunday). It's important to have an idea, but, at the end of the day, you still got to play what you see. It's important that we understand that it can look like a dust bowl, but play pretty much straight on. So, we got to make sure we're very adaptable in that aspect, and ensure that we're ready to play whatever they
Final match of the ICC Women’s T20I World Cup 2024…
throw at us,” Hope noted. While his squad includes the likes of Vice Captain Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, and young stalwarts such as 17-year-old Jewel Andrew, Hope has emphasized the need for each player to focus on executing their roles with discipline.
“Everyone has to pull their weight. I'm not going to single out and say the fast bowler has to do X or Y, but yes, we know the quality of bowlers that we have, and as long as the confidence is there and the planning is there, all we need to do is execute. So, the rest is up to us; we've got the ball in our court, and so we've got to make sure we're playing good cricket, starting with this first game on Sunday,” the Barbadian has announced.
(Sportsmax)
A FIRST-TIME WINNER BECKONS
– as South Africa face New Zealand
The Big picture: A shot at history
Some pictures speak more than words can convey. It is like Siya Kolisi looking skywards and roaring into the Parisian sky before lifting the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Or Grant Elliott, a South African by heritage, offering a hand to a crestfallen Dale Steyn after hitting the winning six to seal New Zealand's final at the 2015 ODI World Cup. Or Katy Perry joining Meg Lanning's victorious Australian team on the winners' podium in front of a record 86,174 fans at the MCG in 2020. Or, more recently, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma standing side by side like brothers in arms, with the Indian flag, their medals and
case of Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, and Marizanne Kapp.
New Zealand are having a shot at glory after 14 years; South Africa are having their second shot in two years, having vanquished Australia, the team that broke their hearts on a sparkling Cape Town afternoon last February.
The journeys of these teams to the World Cup final have been somewhat similar: each filled with stunning wins that warmed the hearts, and losses that questionedwith a transition looming - the pathway structures that haven't exactly been able to replicate the benchmarks set by Australia and England.
This is why the appear-
Markram's captaincy. For New Zealand, this was the epicentre of their most recent finals heartbreak at the men's T20 World Cup in 2021.
Regardless of what happens in the grand finale on Sunday, the Women's T20 World Cup tournament would have a new winner.
In the spotlight: Sophie Devine and Anneke Bosch
Fourteen years ago, in Barbados, Ellyse Perry's boot intercepted an absolute rocket hit from Sophie Devine to prevent a boundary that would have sent the T20 World Cup final into a Super Over.
A generation has come and gone, but Devine has willed herself to fight through the
the World Cup Trophy, before walking into the sunset.
Today (Sunday), South Africa and New Zealand will go toe-to-toe to earn the right to add to the iconic images and moments of the sport, for which one works hard for years; or decades, as in the
ance of these teams in this summit clash holds out hope for the women's game and the sport's expansion. Dubai has massive significance for both teams. South Africa lifted their only ever silverware - senior or junior - at a World Cup here in 2014 under Aiden
highs and lows. On Sunday, she has a rare opportunity to finish her captaincy career with the ultimate crowning glory.
Anneke Bosch's batting until the semi-final had come in for sharp criticism from several quarters, as she was strik-
ing below a run a ball. Team management was aware of it, but continued to back her, as they believed a big knock was around the corner. On Thursday, Bosch batted out of her skin to send Australia packing. Her unbeaten 74 was a knock full of enterprise and innovation. After a performance for the ages, she would be hoping for another impactful innings.
Team news: Not many changes expected
There is little indication that either team would have great changes from their XIs that featured in the semi-final. South Africa have remained unchanged all tournament.
New Zealand (probable): 1 Georgia Plimmer, 2 Suzie Bates, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze (wk), 8 Rosemary Mair, 9 Lea Tahuhu, 10 Eden Carson, 11 Fran Jonas.
South Africa (probable): 1 Laura Wolvaardt (capt), 2 Tazmin Brits, 3
The build-up to the last two major ICC finals was dominated by chatter around the pitch and conditions. In Ahmedabad at last year's 50Over World Cup, you didn't know until a day before the final which surface was going to be used. In Barbados this June, rain had been predicted all day, with the threat of a hurricane - which eventually delayed India's departurelooming. There is less drama this time around.
Pitches in Dubai have taken turn, and taking the pace off has been a ploy captains have often stuck by. Pakistan exploited this quite superbly against New Zealand, and India realised the perils of playing three seamers when they conceded 160 in their opening game against New Zealand.
The absence of dew has
been a reason why spin has been effective. Dew had reduced the toss to a lottery at the 2021 Men's T20 World Cup in the UAE, but its effect has been minimal this time. While temperatures have decreased considerably in the last two weeks, it will still test players' fitness, especially because evenings continue to be muggy. (ESPNCricinfo)
“We've got to gel those consistent performances together as best as we can”, says West Indies captain Shai Hope
Anneke Bosch was innovative during her unbeaten 74 in the semi-final
Laura Wolvaardt and Sophie Devine with the T20 World Cup Trophy at the Museum of the Future
The Demerara team pulled off a comfortable chase of 165 runs on Saturday afternoon at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground at Bourda to retain their Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Inter-County Super50 title.
Having played unbeaten throughout this year’s tournament -- winning each of their three preliminary games and bolstering their confidence by defeating the Essequibo team just two days prior -- Demerara went into the final clash against Essequibo with every expectation of emerging victorious. They won the toss and opted to field first, and restricted Essequibo to 164- all out in 46.5 overs.
Essequibo began their innings with a rocky start, their opening batsmen Kevon Boodie and Keemo Paul each going back to the dressing room after posting a single run. However, Kanhaiya Ramkarran and Kemol Savory built a 41run partnership for the 3rd wicket to get Essequibo back on track.
Harry hit 26 off 46 deliveries near the end, while Quentin Sampson notched 19 from 16 to get the challengers up to 164. The eventual manof-the-match, Ronaldo Alimohamed, was the pick of the Demerara bowlers with 4-47 from 10 overs,
runs from 36 deliveries before a hit on the elbow forced him to retire hurt; and Matthew Nandu and Tevin Imlach teamed up after Sachin Singh’s wicket to take Demerara within 18 runs of their target. Their 90-run partnership saw Matthew Nandu hit-
while Ashmead Nedd claimed 2-25 from 10, and each of the other Demerara bowlers pitched in with a wicket.
ting 57 from 80 deliveries before perishing to Malcolm Hubbard’s bowling, while Tevin Imlach remained unbeaten on 56 from 73 deliv-
Savory fell for 21 from 31, while Ramkarran continued to press on, but could not find a long-term partner at the other end. Eventually, he fell for 49, after facing 128 balls. Keanu
Although losing 3 wickets, defending champions Demerara made light work of the chase, and crossed the line in 33.4 overs.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul recorded 33
eries to take his team over the line.
Malcolm Hubbard claimed 2-19 from 4 overs, while Quentin Sampson was the other Essequibo bowler to take a wicket.
throughout the tournament, and the batting from Tage and Akshaya throughout was amazing as well. We built a complete team, and that was important in winning tournaments. So, credit to them,” he declared.
“Obviously, looking forward to the Super50. It’s important that you get some runs going in; you
“Just tried to get a start, be a bit positive, and it work out well. Got some scores, so I’m just running with it. Basically, just try and play the situation of the game, and play each ball on its merit, stick to the basics. That’s about it,” ‘Tage’ shared about his form in the tournament.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Cricket West Indies
Following the game, Imlach was high in praise of his championship-winning team.
“Obviously well played! It was massive! The bowlers, they were tre mendous for us
need some momentum going in. So, I was happy to give the team some runs. I owe them some runs, so, yeah, happy today,” the wicketkeeper-batsman said about his own form in the tournament.
Meanwhile, for his 239 runs accumulated over four games, Tagenarine Chanderpaul was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament and highest
(CWI) CG United Regional Super50 tournament, he said, “Definitely! I’ll try and get a good start, and get some runs in the tournament; and hope all goes well.”
Demerara walked away with the lion’s share of the prizes, as Devon Lord was named highest wicket-taker for his 11 wickets in this 2024 tournament.
The Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) team is expected to be encamped this week as they prepare to contest the CG United Regional Super50 tournament scheduled to commence on Tuesday, October 29.
Mainstay Drag Race Meeting gets green light
Excitement for the Mainstay Drag Race Meeting has reached a boiling point, and will overflow today in Essequibo, dubbed the Cinderella County.
With more than 50 competitors undertaking the almost six-hour journey to witness the day’s events, there is expected to be some heartbreak when the sun sets.
Support for this sport has grown exponentially since the first staging of this activity last year, and the number of competitors has almost doubled. Enthusiastic fans were seen flocking the Anna Regina Tarmac last evening for the meet-and-greet activity, which lends more hype to today's
event.
With the action being set for an 11:00AM start time, fans can look forward to scintillating competition in the 1500cc, 1600cc, 1800cc, 2000cc, 2500cc, 3000cc, Unlimited, and female classes. There is also expected to be a drift exhibition.
Shairaz Roshandin, Vice President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC), has confirmed that all systems are in place for today’s events, final preparatory work having been done on several sections of the track early yesterday morning.
"We had to apply some special quick-drying cement to some spots on the track early this [yesterday] morning for
some small corrective measures. It’s nothing that competitors or fans should be worried about, because it dries in a few hours, so (the action) definitely set for tomorrow [today],” he remarked.
"We also have a few surprises for those fans in Essequibo. We expect to feature at least one of the newest high-powered cars in the sport there. I won't say who or what the team is, or what they are bringing, but fans will have to be there to see it," he declared.
And while there would be winners and losers at the end of the day, the Cinderella County would have staged an event that was well worth attending.
The Mainstay Drag Race Meeting will take centre stage today in Region Two
Tevin Imlach receiving the GCB Senior Inter-County Super50 Trophy
Action in the Inter-County Super50 tournament on Saturday
Tevin Imlach led his team home with an unbeaten half-century in the final
